Which are the most affordable degree programs in early childhood education in the US? We rank the cheapest accredited colleges in early childhood education.
Pursuing a career in early childhood education requires a very compassionate and committed individual. Early childhood educators are integral to a child’s language, motor, and social development.
According to Education Data, the average annual cost for on-campus bachelor’s degrees is $102,828 for public four-year universities and $218,004 for private universities. Students enrolled in online degree programs use minimal to no on-campus resources, so an online program may have a lower cost.
The average per credit hour cost of an online bachelor’s degree is $333, which comes to about $40,491 for full tuition. However there are more affordable colleges and universities that offer a per credit hour cost as low as $116.
The average total program cost of the most affordable online bachelor’s degree is $13,992. Even better, students enrolled in online degree programs can reduce the amount of tuition further to make it even more affordable.
Back to TopThe cost of attending college is getting more expensive each year. The average student’s cost of attendance at public 4-year universities has climbed by a startling 179.2% over the last 20 years. As a result, more and more students are seeking out more affordable learning options for their bachelor’s degree.
One of the students’ most common questions is, “Are affordable online and on-campus degree programs just as good as their expensive counterparts?” The answer is a resounding, “Yes!”
Top-ranked quality affordable online and on-campus degrees are better for most students for several reasons. For one, affordable degree programs allow students to take on fewer loans, giving them more financial freedom upon graduation.
Affordable online degree programs can deliver the same quality and rigor as their on-campus counterparts. In fact, the only time it may be worth considering more expensive degree programs is when:
Bottom Line: There may be instances that justify or necessitate enrolling in more expensive four-year colleges or universities. However, in general, choosing an affordable institution over a more expensive one can be the right move for most students.
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
67%
Student body
49K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/26
Florida International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
While Florida International University’s Online Bachelor of Science Early Childhood Education does not lead to teaching certification, it does provide students with the necessary requirements to sit for teacher licensure in Florida.
This program helps students prepare to teach in preschool and elementary classrooms through courses that explore various topics, including family participation, early childhood administration, special needs children, and assessment methods.
Applicants must submit their official SAT or ACT scores and high school diplomas or the equivalent. Students with college experience should submit all official transcripts. There’s also a $30 application fee.
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
58%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1070/22
University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The Bachelor’s in Early Care and Education Degree Program is designed to help aspiring early childhood educators work with students with and/or without disabilities. Students who have the time can enroll in some on-campus courses as well.
Students with no prior college education, such as an associate degree in education, are required to attend some on-campus courses. Those with an associate degree can use this early childhood degree program as a bridge program.
Applicants to the online education program must submit official transcripts from previously attended institutions. Standardized test scores, recommendation letters, and essays are optional requirements. There’s no required minimum GPA, either.
100% Online | Asynchronous or Synchronous
Average Cost per Credit
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
55%
Graduation
47%
Student body
25K
National University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
National University’s Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education uses up-to-date theory, cutting-edge viewpoints, and reliable research findings. Coursework in the online program include learning how to create an engaging learning environment, build a personalized and adaptive curriculum, and efficiently perform instructional methodologies and procedures. In addition to online courses, students must complete a residency requirement on campus.
Due to its year-round enrollment, students can submit their applications at any time of the year. Admission requirements are a high school diploma or the equivalent. Standardized test scores are optional.
Hybrid | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
Credits to Graduate: 180
Average Tuition
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
47%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1010/20
Central Methodist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education at CMU allows students to explore the current issues related to children’s developmental and educational requirements. Students will be better equipped with abilities to understand a child’s thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Online students in this early childhood education program must participate in practicum experiences and internships. The program’s coursework prepares graduates for advanced degrees.
Applicants must have completed 11 or fewer college credit hours to qualify. ACT or SAT scores and official transcripts must be given to CMU.
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
Tuition + fees
$3K
Graduation
39%
Student body
15K
Florida State College at Jacksonville’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education prepares students to work in public and private schools. Future early childhood educators can tailor their own program and choose a concentration.
In addition to coursework and concentration, students must complete a professional portfolio and capstone project and pass three Florida Teacher Certification Examinations. The program’s capstone is an internship that requires students to work at an accredited public or private school (K-3) for an entire semester.
Applicants must submit all official transcripts from the previous college attended. Applicants with only a high school diploma or equivalent may be required to complete prerequisite courses.
Hybrid
Average Cost per Credit
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
47%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1005/19
University of Mount Olive’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The web-based Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education at the University of Mount Olive also focuses on developing your marketable skills and obtaining knowledge about how to teach pre-K students. The curriculum incorporates practical opportunities into all of its courses.
Students will study courses that explore various topics, including technology for early childhood educators, health, safety, and nutrition for young children, early childhood administration, and American education. Students can enroll in the program as licensure or non-licensure candidates—those who enroll as licensure candidates will complete more credit hours.
Interested students must submit official high school transcripts or the equivalent.
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
Tuition + fees
$8K
Student body
<1K
Charter Oak State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The online Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Degree Program at Charter Oak offers individualized advising to help future educators succeed.
Early childhood education students of Charter Oak will receive a sophisticated understanding of early childhood philosophy and practices. The program’s curriculum is designed to give students the professional training to hold non-certified administration or teaching positions. Educational psychology and sociology are the two prerequisites for concentration options.
Interested students must submit all official transcripts. Standardized test scores are optional. The program awards college credit for prior learning without requiring a minimum GPA.
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
71%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1110/23
Northwestern College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Northwestern College’s online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood is a bridge degree program designed to help associate degree in education holders obtain a teaching license. This degree program offers a Birth through Grade Three, Inclusive Setting endorsement.
Students must complete a student teaching experience and online coursework. You don’t need to travel far to complete practicum hours; instead, you can coordinate with the college in locating accredited schools nearby.
Students must submit their official college transcripts. 80-100% of your associate degree will be transferred to the bachelor’s degree program, allowing you to graduate in 2.5-3 years.
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
Credits to Graduate: 124
Average Tuition
Tuition + fees
$3K
Graduation
40%
Student body
4K
Northwest Florida State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The Northwest Florida State College’s Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education online program is best for aspiring early childhood educators who want to focus on teaching students from birth to four years old. This degree program, however, is designed for students who already hold an associate degree in education.
This program requires students to complete a series of courses related to early childhood education and 6 hours of one foreign language at the college level. Upon completing online coursework, students will have a 450-hour internship to put theory into practice.
Applicants must have at least 18 transfer credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA on all coursework.
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
53%
Graduation
84%
Student body
44K
Median SAT/ACT
1326/30
University of Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The University of Washington’s online Bachelor of Arts in Early Care & Education allows students to enroll in cohort classes to get to know each other. Students will experience multidisciplinary coursework and community-based learning.
The program requires students to focus on the importance of equity and diversity to provide efficient early care and education to various communities. Students will switch from reflection to practice by the end of this program, which is completed through 3-5 hours of classroom experience per week.
Interested applicants must have at least 45 transfer credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA on all previous coursework. While standardized test scores are optional, personal statements, resumes, and transcripts are required.
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
While the affordable early childhood degree programs in our ranking offer a high quality, yet low-cost education, there are several factors that you will want to consider when choosing which affordable degree program to choose.
Before choosing an early childhood education degree, make sure that you understand all of the associated costs of the program. It is a good idea to speak with the college’s financial aid office and ask them about the program’s total cost, including fees, and inquire about available financial aid. Most schools are willing to help you calculate tuition after assistance.
If you are looking for more collaboration opportunities, enrolling in an online program with synchronous online classes may be a better option. If having the ability to study at your own pace is important to you, choosing an online program that offers asynchronous classes could be your best bet.
Technical issues are more than just a hassle for online students because those unable to use computers or traverse digital learning environments cannot advance in their studies.
Other resources and accommodations students should consider are:
Before pursuing a degree in early childhood education, it’s important to consider if this is the right degree program for you.
A bachelor’s in early childhood education requires candidates to be very compassionate and have a lot of patience since they’ll be working with children from birth to eight years of age.
The typical early childhood curriculum for a bachelor’s degree requires students to complete 120 credit hours plus a teaching practicum. The length of the bachelor’s degree program varies based on three factors: required credit hours, enrollment status, and course pacing.
Full-time students typically complete coursework in four years, while part-time students complete their degree in five to six years. Those who want to graduate faster can enroll in accelerated online degree programs to graduate in three years.
Several online programs for early childhood education serve as bachelor’s degree completion programs. This early childhood education degree requires applicants to already have an associate degree or equivalent work experience.
Key Point: Degree completion programs and accelerated online degree programs in early childhood education are a great way to shorten the time required to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Admission requirements for online bachelor’s in early childhood education programs often do not require students to have a professional or educational background in the field. The standard requirements include the following:
Some schools require a minimum of 2.0-2.05 GPA, while others have no GPA cut-off.
More prestigious and selective schools may require students to have stellar letters of recommendation and personal statements.
Hybrid and online degree programs might require students to pass technological requirements.
Key Point: Specific admission requirements vary by school. Contact the college’s admissions department for their specific requirements.
This course equips students with techniques for evaluating children through coursework, observations, and exams. The coursework will include filling out forms and materials covering assessment methods.
Students will gain knowledge of children’s social, cognitive, physical, and emotional development. The age covered in this course is birth to eight. These courses typically cover appropriate programming and surroundings for newborns and toddlers.
This course often has two parts: understanding child-to-child and child-to-adult connections. Interaction strategies are typically studied in the classroom and by observing children in daycare or preschool settings.
Understanding how young children interact with adults and other children is the main goal of this course. Early childhood language development is evaluated through observing and interacting with children and how they interact with adults and other kids.
This course focuses on developing safe, healthy learning environments for young children. Students must often attend seminars exploring state and federal laws and guidelines regarding young children’s health and nutrition.
This ECE course is a specialized course designed to help aspiring teachers obtain the abilities necessary to care for young children with special needs. The course addresses differentiation in early childhood settings, inclusive methods, and instructional strategies.
Moreover, this ECE course will help students learn how to collaborate with families. A practicum may be a required part of the class.
This course allows students to explore the fundamental theories of child development and how to apply them to planning and delivering early childhood education curricula. Other topics include the design of developmentally appropriate lesson plans and learning centers to fit the needs of specific age groups.
Early childhood education is one of the fastest-growing fields in the US. One of the most significant reasons behind this rise is the renewed emphasis on the significance of preschool education and Head Start programs.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment for early childhood educators is expected to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031. The expected starting salary of these educators is $22,840 annually.
Those who pursue leadership roles in daycares, preschools, and other settings akin to these should anticipate significantly higher starting salaries. The typical yearly salary for those types of positions is $58,530.
This early childhood education professional helps pupils develop motor, language, and social skills. They plan educational activities and work with young children who aren’t yet old enough to start kindergarten. The job will includes planning and executing lessons, supervising learning activities, and monitoring student progress.
Average Annual Salary: $30,210
Special education teachers are paid more than other early childhood educators. Their job entails working with children with disabilities under the age of eight. Duties include evaluating students, defining academic goals, tracking progress, instructing students, adapting materials for students, and co-teaching with the classroom teacher.
These professionals can work in a classroom, small group, or in a one-on-one environment. They could also serve as a mediator between the parents and the school.
Average Annual Salary: $61,820
A teacher’s assistant helps classroom advisors prepare materials, supervise students, and perform other classroom duties. The teacher can request that you assist one or a few students who require extra help with their coursework.
Average Annual Salary: $29,360
If, on the other hand, you don’t want to pursue the traditional career paths of early childhood education, you have various options as well. You can become a:
A childcare center director is a supervisory position and is integral in running learning facilities for younger children. To ensure the instructors and other staff members are meeting the needs of the pupils, you can hire, manage, and keep an eye on them. Also, you can be in charge of business-related duties like managing finances, processing payments, adhering to rules, and contacting parents.
Average Annual Salary: $47,310
While they are more likely to work outside the traditional classroom, childcare providers have a similar role to preschool teachers. They might work for a family, a company that provides childcare, or early childhood centers/childcare centers. These professionals’ roles include keeping children safe and creating routines for them.
Average Annual Salary: $27,490
Students pursuing a bachelor’s in early childhood education, whether online or on-campus, may qualify for various financial aid opportunities. The best way to determine eligibility for financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants will receive an eligibility letter from the federal government, state government, or the school itself.
Students who prove their financial needs can also apply for compensated work experience through federal work-study programs. If you’re worried that you might not have the time for this, these federal work-study programs provide flexible hours. You can find information about work-study programs on-campus or in facilities near your area.
In addition to the financial assistance offered through federal student aid, students can also hunt for grants and scholarship opportunities. Private scholarships are widely available, particularly for those pursuing careers in teaching.
Students and new grads may also be eligible for a federal incentive program like Teach for America or the TEACH Grant since some teaching positions are categorized as public service.
Student loans must be repaid with interest. You should apply first for federal student loans because they often have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Private loans from banks and lending organizations have higher interest rates and strict repayment terms.
Education Scholarships Available to Early Childhood Development Degree Students:
The licensure or certification requirements for childcare providers vary by state, but typically you must enroll in childcare classes covering classroom management, child development, nutrition, and safety (including how to spot abuse or maltreatment indicators), and pass an exam proving your expertise.
Additional courses that may be necessary include business management, medicine delivery, record-keeping, and CPR for infants and children. Check with your state’s family or social services department for the most recent information, as childcare worker rules differ from state to state and can change during legislative sessions.
Yes. Pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education is worthwhile as early childhood education programs offer many rewarding job opportunities that can significantly impact society. Educators contribute to laying the early childhood foundations for academic and personal growth by working with young children and their families.
Yes, earning a degree in early childhood education online to be qualified to teach children is possible. Many universities have online programs that let you complete the majority of your core courses and coursework using an online learning environment. You can finish any fieldwork, practicum, or student teaching requirements at nearby schools and child care centers.
Early childhood educational development is crucial since it is the foundation of a child’s learning and significantly impacts their educational, professional, and personal success. To help young children acquire healthy social skills and a solid basis for knowledge, preschool and elementary school teachers who are both experts in teaching and child development are imperative. Teaching young children to be better prepared for success in elementary education and beyond relies on their positive experiences throughout their early education years.